# Practice Tips

Practice Tip of the Week Archive

Look for a new tip shared every week on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

You can also watch our practice tip videos on COTO's YouTube channel.

Client-Centred Care

Review goals regularly with clients. Care plans should evolve with their progress and needs. 

Documentation and Records

Document the consent conversation—it’s not just the signature on a form. It shows respect, understanding and accountability.

Good documentation explains not only what you did, but also why. Clear reasoning supports safe, accountable practice.

Complete your notes as soon as possible after sessions. Timely records are more accurate.

Practice Standards and Competence

Are you assigning tasks? Provide clear instructions, training, and oversight. You remain accountable.

Professional Conduct and Ethics

Avoid dual relationships such as additional financial, personal, or professional roles with clients, whenever possible. If they can’t be avoided, address them transparently and ethically.

Mistakes happen. Acknowledge them honestly, take corrective action, and learn for the future.

Professional Wellness

Self-care is professional care. Protect your wellbeing to provide safe client care.

After difficult situations, debrief with your peers. Reflection helps build resilience.

Client-Centred Care

Listen actively—clients are experts in their own lives. Collaboration begins with listening. Understanding your client’s perspective helps create meaningful, effective goals.

Documentation and Records

Write clinical notes as if your client may read them. Respectful, professional language matters. Professional documentation reflects the care you provide. Always write with accuracy and respect.

Avoid uncommon abbreviations in client files. Clarity ensures safe communication between occupational therapists and their clients.

Professional Conduct and Ethics

Always obtain informed consent before starting care. Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time signature. Clear communication builds trust and ensures clients understand their care every step of the way.

Think twice before posting on social media. Client details should never be shared online, even indirectly.

Be cautious about accepting gifts. Even small tokens can create real or perceived conflicts of interest. 

Professional Wellness

Facing a tough practice case? Seek supervision or mentorship. Support strengthens competence—the Practice team at COTO provides consultations. You’re not alone in navigating complex situations. Reach out when you need guidance.